Page 120 of Headed for Home

“Pinkie Pie,” she whispers.

My brow furrows at the nickname. I frown and pause my manic thrusting. That’s not right. I stare at Cassidy but she’s beginning to blur around the edges.

“Wake up, Pinkie Pie!”

I gasp and jolt upright. Kenzie is perched on the bed beside me, beaming bright when my startled gaze swings toward her. The dream bleeds away as reality rushes to the surface.

My cock deflates faster than a popped balloon. Damn, I should’ve known. Cassidy is vocal but she’s still a bit shy when it comes to fondling my ego to the extreme. A hefty exhale releases the strain in my muscles.

“Hey, Mac.” I flop backward onto the mattress, flinging an arm over my face. “What time is it?”

Kenzie tugs on my wrist, forcing me to accept the early hour. “The sun is outside. See?”

A glance at the dull light peeking through the curtains suggests it’s barely six o’clock. “Huh.”

“It’s time to open your eyeballs.” She bulges hers to comical proportions.

As if rejecting any attempts of refusal, stomping comes from the hallway. The heavy footfalls are paired with banging that’s slightly musical. The chimes grow louder and my lingering drowsiness flies out the window.

“Gooooood morning, Rake!” Charlie appears in the doorway with a xylophone.

The plastic mallet strikes the rainbow keys in rapid succession like we’re gearing up for a climax. Nope, wrong choice. More like a big event that’s family-friendly.

The little boy leaps onto the bed to join us. His notes don’t skip a beat. I chuckle and prop myself upright on the stack of pillows. This ritual has become somewhat of a regular occurrence since I moved in months ago. If I’m not in the barn doing chores, these two take it upon themselves to rouse me. Some methods just happen to be more abrupt than others.

“What’s on the daily agenda, Mac and Cheese?”

They share a look that I’ve come to expect. A silent conversation decides my fate. Their giggles might as well be a warning bell.

“Can I give you a makeover?” Kenzie folds her palms beneath her chin, giving me a pleading stare. Her bottom lip even wobbles. “Puh-leeeeease?”

Charlie copies her irresistible dramatics. “And I wanna put stuff on your fingernails.”

My gaze slides to Cassidy’s empty spot. I can already hear her calling me a softie. “Don’t make me regret this.”

The little girl scrunches her freckled nose. “Is that a yes?”

I nod and spread my arms. “Do your worst, Mac and Cheese. Maybe I’ll get another tattoo out of the deal.”

“Yay!”

They scramble as if I’ll change my mind, which is impossible. Their delighted squeals follow them into the bathroom while they gather supplies. That’s when Chester and Cheeto race into the room. The dogs propel themselves onto the mattress, hitting me straight in the junk. I muffle a shout but my baby making operation is wounded. Maybe the twins will fetch me an ice pack. Better yet, maybe the pair responsible will do the honors.

“Are you good boys?” I croon, which is more of a croak thanks to the damage to my balls.

Chester cocks his head while Cheeto whines. Their tails thump on the blankets.

“Yes, you’re listening. Can you go downstairs and open the freezer?” I wait for movement but they stay put. “Use your paws. Go get it!”

That command does the trick. The Australian Shepherds leap off the bed and disappear to fill my request.

“Maybe they do know how to fetch. I never got that confirmed,” I mumble absently.

“Who are you talking to, Pinkie Pie?” Kenzie has a large bag in her grip as she reclaims her position next to me.

“The dogs,” I reply. But they’re nowhere to be seen, which makes too much sense. “They’re getting me ice.”

“Oh, no!” Charlie’s concern scours over me. “Do you have a boo-boo?”

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